Therapeutic animal harness system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for treating and rehabilitating animals are provided. The systems and methods include harnesses and related devices, including compresses and heating/icing devices. The devices further include and comprise features to enable the device to be contoured to and secured to an animal. Animals contemplated for use with devices and methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, canines and humans.

This U.S. Non-Provisional patent application is a Continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/902,457, filed Feb. 22,2018, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,966,410, which claims the benefitof priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/463,278,filed Feb. 24, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for treatinganimals. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosurecomprise methods and devices for applying treatment to animals andassisting animals with mobility and other functions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As dogs and other pets begin to age so do their limbs, joints andmuscles. It is not uncommon for animals to develop arthritis in theirjoints, specifically their hips or shoulders. Activities that were onceeasy for an animal to participate in become difficult or impossible. Oneof the most difficult activities for an animal suffering from theseconditions is for them to get up after sitting down. Other activitiesthat become cumbersome are walking up and down stairs, going for a dailywalk, or entering and exiting a vehicle.

Animals including, but not limited to, dogs undergo procedures andsurgeries which are known to cause injury to the animal and requirerehabilitation. This rehabilitation may include, for example, a need toapply a hot or cold compress to a portion of the animal. The bodygeometry or certain animals the animal's general lack of understandingof such processes poses various complications for applying ice packs,compresses, etc. Even well-behaved animals are not likely to remainimmobile while a cold-compress is applied to a particular portion of theanimal's anatomy.

Additionally, animals recovering from injury or surgery, and animalsdealing with physical impairments may require mobility assistance. Forexample, animals may require support or assistance while performingbasic functions related to walking and/or may require support,assistance, restraint, or guidance while performing specificrehabilitation tasks such as hydrotherapy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There has been a long-felt and unmet need to provide a system and methodfor performing various therapeutic and rehabilitative tasks with ananimal. Such tasks include, for example, applying ice or cold-compressesto reduce swelling in an animal and supporting an animal during varioustherapeutic physical activities.

In various embodiments, a reusable compress or “ice pack” is providedthat is operable for use with animals. Such animals include, but are notlimited to, canines. Compresses of the present disclosure comprisefeatures and structure that enable the device to be formed or fit to aparticular area to which the device is to be applied, maintaintemperature within at least a portion of the compress, and be secured toan irregularly shaped animal in a manner that reduces the risk ofdetachment or separation between the animal and the compress.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that therapeutic device isoperable to be provided with or is provided in combination with anattachment member. Attachment members of the present disclosure includebut are not limited to harnesses as shown and described herein. However,in various embodiments, a therapeutic device is provided that does notcomprise a harness or attachment member. Therapeutic devices of thepresent disclosure are contemplated as comprising a compress or “icepack” in isolation and as shown and described herein.

In certain embodiments, an animal restraint and support device isprovided that comprises features which are operable to receive andsupport a compress. Such devices also promote and enable a temperatureexchange between a compress and the animal, wherein the animal and thecompress are not isolated or insulated from each other. In certainembodiments, a harness is provided that comprises a receptacle or areafor receiving and storing a compress in close proximity to an animal'sbody. In certain embodiments, a mesh layer or similarlythermally-conductive layer is provided between the compress and theanimal's body to maximize heat transfer between the animal and the coldor hot compress.

In various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for securing adevice to an animal, and wherein components for securing the device aswell as the device itself are useful for and operable to support and/orguide an animal. In certain embodiments, an animal mobility device isprovided that is operable for use with and particularly well adapted forperforming hydrotherapy with an animal. Hydrotherapy, at least as usedherein, relates to a method of rehabilitating or treating an animal bypartially submerging the animal in a volume of water and causing orencouraging the animal to walk or swim. Frequently, hydrotherapy methodsand devices comprise a treadmill wherein the animal remains relativelystationary in a volume of water while “walking” on a treadmill. Suchdevices generally fail to provide adequate restraint and supportdevices, which increases risk of injury and even drowning.

In various embodiments, a therapeutic device for treating animals isprovided. Therapeutic devices of the present disclosure include, but arenot limited to, hot and cold compresses which may generally be referredto herein as “compresses”. It will be recognized that compress devicesof the present disclosure may be particularly well adapted to be frozenor cooled and used to “ice” a body part. However, no limitation withrespect to the intended use or intended temperature of such devices isprovided. One of skill in the art will understand that an intended useand desired temperature of the device may simply be a product of auser's intentions. Accordingly, even though devices may be referred toherein as an “ice pack”, a “cold compress”, a “compress”, and/or a“heating pack”, no limitation with respect to the intended use of suchdevices is provided.

In various embodiments, a compress is provided that comprises a siliconerubber, and wherein the compress is flexible such that it may be wrappedor otherwise provided around an irregularly shaped animal body part.Compresses of the present disclosure comprise a rubber or similarlyflexible housing. The housing comprises a plurality of discrete wellsthat store a quantity of fluid. The fluid is operable to be frozen orheated, and the compress is thereafter applied to an animal. Althoughvarious devices and methods of the present disclosure contemplate that acompress is used for therapeutic reasons in the treatment of injured orrecovering animals, it is also contemplated that methods, systems anddevices of the present disclosure may be used to heat or cool an animal.For example, it is contemplated that harnesses and compresses of thepresent disclosure may be utilized to apply ice to an animal to preventthe animal from overheating in hot weather and/or during physicalactivity.

In one embodiment, a harness device is provided that comprises a chestmember having an upper portion and a lower portion selectively securedto the upper portion. At least one strap is provided that is adapted tobe encircled around a portion of an animal. The harness furthercomprises a hip member having an upper portion; a lower portion, and atleast one strap adapted to be encircled around a portion of the animal.A first handle is connected to the chest member, wherein the firsthandle has a first attaching portion, a second attaching portion, and acontinuous length of material therebetween. The first handle and thesecond handle are adapted to receive the hand of a human for applying anupward force on at least one of the chest member and the hip member. Atleast one of the chest member and the hip member comprise a receptacleoperable to receive a therapeutic device, and a therapeutic device isprovided within and selectively removable from the receptacle. Inpreferred embodiments, a therapeutic device comprises a flexiblesilicone rubber device having a plurality of sealed wells and whereineach of the wells comprise an internal volume for storing a liquid. U.S.Pat. No. 9,320,260 to Zimmerman, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, discloses harnesses and related features thatare contemplated for use with embodiments of the present disclosure.Such harnesses and features thereof may be combined with and/or providedwith therapeutic compress devices of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, harnesses devices are provided that are operableto receive and store a compress device. In preferred embodiments,harnesses comprise at least one receptacle or compress-storage means toreceive, house, and store a compress in a manner wherein the compress isprovided in close proximity to an animal body part that is to be subjectto heat transfer with the compress device. In one embodiment, a harnessis provided with at least one compress-receiving receptacle and whereinthe receptacle comprises a non-insulated layer. Non-insulated layers ofthe present disclosure include, for example, layers of mesh orthin-fabric material that are operable to hold or support a compress,but generally do not impede or obstruct heat transfer between a compressand an animal. In some embodiments, harnesses are provided with aplurality of compress-storage means. For example, in certainembodiments, it is contemplated that a plurality of receptacles areprovided on a harness and wherein each of the receptacles are adapted toreceive and house a compress device. The plurality of receptacles areprovided in specific locations distributed along an area of the harness.For example, it is contemplated that the receptacles are provided in anarea of the harness corresponding to a shoulder, hip, pelvis, groin,and/or knee joint, as such areas are known to be generally more prone toinjury than other areas of an animal's body.

In one embodiment, a harness for an animal is provided wherein theharness comprises a chest member having an upper portion; a lowerportion selectively secured to said upper portion; and at least onestrap adapted to be encircled around a portion of a canine. A hip memberis provided that comprises an upper portion; a lower portion; and atleast one strap adapted to be encircled around a portion of said animal.A first handle is connected to said chest member, wherein said firsthandle has a first attaching portion, a second attaching portion, and acontinuous length of material therebetween. The first handle and saidsecond handle are adapted to receive the hand of a human for applying anupward force on at least one of said chest member and said hip member.At least one of the chest member and the hip member comprises areceptacle operable to receive a therapeutic device. A therapeuticdevice is provided within and selectively removable from the receptacle,wherein the therapeutic device comprises a flexible silicone rubberdevice having a plurality of sealed wells and wherein each of said wellscomprise an internal volume for storing a liquid.

In some embodiments, a compress-receiving device is provided that isselectively securable to an animal at a plurality of different locationson the animal. For example, in one embodiment, a sleeve is provided thatis selectively securable to an animal by a fastener. Fasteners of thepresent disclosure include, for example, straps with securing means suchas hook-and-loop closures, snaps, buckles, etc. The sleeve may beprovided and secured to an animal at various different locations,depending upon treatment needs. For example, sleeves of the presentdisclosure may be wrapped and/or secured around the forearm, wrist,lower thigh, stifle, or hock of a canine. Such areas are known to bedifficult to treat, as animals and particularly canines tend not totolerate treatment or remain still for long enough for such treatment tobe effective. Devices of the present disclosure provide means andmethods for securing at least one compress to various different portionsof an animal.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a compress that isspecifically designed to fit a particular anatomical part of an animal.For example, in one embodiment, an elongate sleeve member is providedthat is operable to be provided over and surround a leg of an animal.The sleeve comprises sidewalls and an interior volume provided therein.The interior volume comprises at least one fluid that is operable to befrozen or heated to provide therapeutic treatment to an animal as may bedesired. The sleeve preferably comprises a strap or other securing meansto tighten or secure the sleeve to an animal.

In one embodiment, a therapeutic device for an animal is provided thatcomprises a flexible compress member having a plurality of wells. Eachof the plurality of wells comprises a plurality of sidewalls and abottom portion. Each of the plurality of wells comprises a firstinternal volume and an upper end of the wells comprises an overhang. Aplurality of fluid-containing modules is provided, and each of theplurality of fluid-containing modules is operable to be provided withinthe first internal volume of a well. Each of the fluid-containingmodules comprises a substantially rectangular cube having an upper end,a lower end, a plurality of sidewalls and a second internal volume, thesecond internal volume being less than the first internal volume. Afluid is provided within the second internal volume. The overhangcomprises at least one of a flexible and an elastic component that isoperable to selectively receive and at least partially secure a portionof a fluid-containing module. The device is operable to act as a heatingor cooling agent for an animal body part.

In another embodiment, a therapeutic device for an animal is providedthat comprises a flexible compress member having a plurality of wells.Each of the plurality of wells comprises a first internal volume and anupper end of the wells comprises an overhang. A plurality offluid-containing modules, wherein each of the plurality offluid-containing modules is operable to be provided within the firstinternal volume of a well. Each of the fluid-containing modules comprisea second internal volume, the second internal volume being less than thefirst internal volume. A fluid is provided within the second internalvolume. The overhang comprises at least one of a flexible and an elasticcomponent that is operable to selectively receive and at least partiallysecure a portion of a fluid-containing module. The device is operable toact as a heating or cooling agent for an animal body part.

In another embodiment, a therapeutic device for an animal is providedthat comprises a flexible member having a plurality of wells. Each ofthe plurality of wells comprises a plurality of sidewalls and a bottomportion. Each of the plurality of wells comprises a first internalvolume. A plurality of fluid-containing modules are provided, whereineach of the plurality of fluid-containing modules is operable to beprovided within a well. Each of the fluid-containing modules comprises asubstantially rectangular cube having an upper end, a lower end, aplurality of sidewalls and a second internal volume, the second internalvolume being less than the first internal volume. A fluid is providedwithin the second internal volume. The wells comprise at least one of aflexible and an elastic component that is operable to selectivelyreceive and at least partially secure a portion of a fluid-containingmodule. The device is operable to act as a heating or cooling agent foran animal body part.

In various embodiments, fluid-containing modules of the presentdisclosure comprises substantially rectangular cubes. As used herein,substantially rectangular cubes and cubical structures include, but arenot limited to, cubes, cubes with one or more rounded corners, cubeswith indentation or impressions in one or more sidewalls, square cubes,elongate rectangular cubes, and similar structures. It will berecognized that various different geometric and polygonal shapes arewithin the scope and spirit of the invention, and no limitation isprovided with respect to the exact shape(s) of the fluid-containingmodules. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that fluid-containingmodules comprise spherical or ovoid shaped modules. In such embodiments,the wells of a device comprise a corresponding shape to receive thespherical or ovoid modules.

This Summary is neither intended or should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present invention.The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail and theSummary as well as in the attached drawings and in the detaileddescription of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of thepresent invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusionof elements, components, etc. in the Summary. Additional aspects of thepresent invention will become more readily apparent from the detaileddescription, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated herein and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of numerousinventions and together with the general description of the inventiongiven provide the detailed description, and the drawings serve toexplain the principles of these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a therapeutic device accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is an elevation view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a therapeutic deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a therapeutic deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component of a therapeutic deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of the component of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the component of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of therapeutic device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the therapeutic device according to theembodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the therapeutic device according tothe embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the therapeutic device according tothe embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the therapeutic device according to theembodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the therapeutic device according tothe embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the therapeutic device according tothe embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a detailed side elevation view of the device according toFIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a component of a therapeutic deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the component according to theembodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the device according to the embodiment ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the component according to theembodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a component of a therapeutic deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the component of FIG. 22.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the invention or that render other details difficult toperceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a compress device 2 accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the device 2 ofFIG. 1 comprises a compress device adapted for use with animals. Thedevice 2 comprises a cover member 4 comprising a cover or seal, a lowerportion 6, and a plurality of wells 9. The wells 9 comprise an internalvolume 8 for storing a liquid 10. The entire device 2, including theliquid 10 is intended to be placed in a freezer or otherwise chilled tocool or freeze the liquid 10 provided within the wells 9. The term“liquid”, at least as used herein, is not limited to water or Newtonianfluids. It is contemplated that compress devices 2 of the presentdisclosure comprise a “gel” useful for reusable ice packs andcompresses. Such “gels” include, but are not limited to variousmaterials useful for repeated freezing and thawing and/or comprisingdesirable properties such as a preferred specific heat capacity. Gelsfor use with embodiments of the present disclosure preferably comprisenon-toxic refrigerant gels such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodiumpolyacrylate, vinyl-coated silica gel, benzoic acid, hexadienoic acid,propenoic acid, propanetriol, water, and combinations thereof. Althoughdevices of the present disclosure are contemplated for use as compressesor ice packs and are referred to herein as such, it is also contemplatedthat devices of the present disclosure may be heated and used to applyheat to a body part. Accordingly, the term “compress” should not beviewed as limiting devices of the present disclosure to a particular useor application. Methods and intended uses of devices shown and describedherein include the application of high and low temperatures for icing orheating an animal body part.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compress device 2 of FIG. 1 andprovided in an assembled state. As shown, the lower portion 6 and thecover member 4 are sealingly engaged to seal and enclose the wells 9.Preferably, the cover member 4 is heat sealed and/or ultrasonicallywelded to the lower portion 6 and wherein the connection between thecover member 4 and the lower portion 6 comprises a permanent connection.The cover member 4 is preferably sealed along both columns 12 and rows14 provided between and at least partially defining the wells 8. Such anarrangement provides that each of the individual wells 8 are permanentlysealed to prevent leakage of liquefied contents of the wells 8.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a compress device 2 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the device 2 comprises aplurality of columns 12 and rows 14 that at least partially define aplurality of wells 9 for storing a cooling agent, such as a liquid. Thedevice 2 of FIG. 3A comprises a 4×8 grid of wells with 32 wells 9 intotal. It will be recognized, however, that compress devices of thepresent disclosure are not limited to this arrangement or to anyspecific number or pattern of wells. It is expressly contemplated thatcompress devices of the present disclosure may comprise any number ofwells, and may also comprise different patterns and arrangements ofwells. The device 2 of FIG. 3A comprises a length L and a width W. Invarious embodiments, the length of the device 2 comprises a length ofbetween approximately 200 and 400 millimeters, and preferably ofapproximately 253 millimeters. In various embodiments, the width W ofthe device 2 comprises a width of between approximately 100 and 200millimeters, and preferably of approximately 130 millimeters.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of the device 2 of FIG. 3A. As shown inFIG. 3B, the device 2 comprises a plurality of wells 9 extending belowan upper portion of the device and wherein a height H of the device 2extends between a bottom portion of the wells and the upper portion ofthe device 2. The height of the device 2 shown in FIG. 3B comprises ofbetween approximately 10 and 30 millimeters and preferably ofapproximately 17.2 millimeters. The device 2 of FIG. 3B comprises asubstantially flush upper surface 11. Either of the upper surface 11, oran opposing lower surface, or a combination thereof may be provided asadjacent to or proximal to an animal for therapeutic purposes.

FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the compress device according to theembodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B. In various embodiments, and as shown in FIGS.3B-3C, the height H of the device generally does not vary along thelength L or the width W of the device 2. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, thewells 9 of the device 2 are spaced apart and comprise gaps therebetween.A height of the device therefore comprises some variation along thelength and width due to these gaps. In general, however, a maximumheight of the device 2 is determined by a distance between the bottom ofthe wells 9 and the upper surface 4, and this maximum height does notvary over the length or the width.

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the device 2 according to the embodimentof FIG. 3A. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional elevation view of theembodiment of FIG. 4A and taken at line B-B of FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG.4B, the wells 9 comprise an interior length LI of between approximately15 and 40 millimeters, and preferably of approximately 25.1 millimeters.A gap space 16 is provided between each adjacent wells 9. The gap spacepreferably comprises a space of between approximately 2 and 10millimeters, and preferably of approximately 5.4 millimeters. Athickness T of the columns 12 and rows 14 comprises thickness of betweenapproximately 0.5 and 5.0 millimeters, and preferably of approximately1.50 millimeters.

As shown in FIG. 4C, an interior of the wells 9 comprises an internalwidth WI that is preferably between approximately 15 and 50 millimeters,and preferably of approximately 24.5 millimeters. Wells 9 of the presentdisclosure therefore comprise a volume of between approximately 5.0 and15.0 cubic centimeters. Preferably, the internal volume of the wells 9comprises a volume of approximately 10.5 cubic centimeters.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a compress device 2 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. Compress devices 2 of the presentdisclosure preferably comprise a silicone material wherein the device isflexible such that it may conform to an animal body part. In certainembodiments, a compress device 2 comprises a translucent silicone rubbermaterial. The interior and/or exterior of the compress device 2 may betreated with a light electrical discharge machining finish.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover member 4 in isolation andaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7A and 7Bare top plan and side elevation views of the cover member 4 according tothe embodiment of FIG. 6. As shown, the cover member 4 comprises aflexible silicone rubber material having a length L and a width W. Thecover member 4 is adapted to be secured to a remainder of a compressdevice 2 as shown and described herein. The cover member 4 comprises athickness t, wherein the thickness t is between approximately 0.50 and5.0 millimeters, and is preferably of approximately 1.20 millimeters.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of therapeutic devices according to certainembodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, a compress device 2 isprovided. The compress device 2 comprises substantially the same deviceand construction as that shown with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In oneembodiment, a sleeve 70 is provided to receive the compress 2 and securethe compress 2 to an animal or patient in a desired orientation. Thesleeve 70 comprises a slot 72, wherein the slot 72 comprises an apertureor inlet for providing a compress 2 within the sleeve 70. The sleeve maybe wrapped or contoured around a body part of an animal/patient. Incertain embodiments, portions of the sleeve 70 comprise hook-and-loopclosures for securing the sleeve 70 in a desired position. FIG. 16 alsoprovides a sleeve 70 of another embodiment wherein at least onedetachable strap 74 is provided. The detachable strap 74 is selectivelyconnected to the sleeve 70 for additional support, and is useful whensecuring the sleeve 70 to an animal that is unlikely to remain still orimmobile during the application of ice and/or a compress.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a harness 80 according to one embodimentof the present disclosure. The harness 80 is provided on an animal 82for illustrative purposes. A forward portion of the harness 80 comprisesa receptacle 84 for receiving a therapeutic device, such as a compress2. The receptacle 84 is provided in a forward portion of the harness 80proximal to the withers of the animal 82. It will be recognized,however, that the receptacle 84 can be provided at various differentlocations, and that a plurality of receptacles may be provided forincreasing treatment options.

The harness 80 of FIG. 9 also comprises a selectively inflatable bladder86. The bladder 86 is provided on or proximal to a chest portion of theanimal 82 and comprises a selectively sealable volume that may be filledwith air to increase the buoyancy of the harness 80 and thereby convertthe harness from a standard mobility assistance device to a flotationdevice or partial-floatation device. When inflated, the bladder 86 andassociated harness 80 preferably serve to increase an animal's buoyancy82, which is advantageous for animals when swimming or undergoinghydrotherapy procedures. Although the bladder 86 is provided on aforward/chest portion of the harness 80, it is also contemplated thatthe bladder 86 may be provided in alternative positions (e.g. along thedorsal and/or rear portion of the harness). It is further contemplatedthat a plurality of selectively inflatable bladders are provided. Forexample, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that a forward portionand a rearward portion of the harness each comprise at least oneselectively inflatable bladder 86.

FIGS. 10-13 provide a compress device 90 according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the device 90 comprisesa plurality of wells 92 for receiving fluid-containing modules 94 asshown and described herein. FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 provide top, side, andend elevation views, respectively.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the device 90 according to the embodimentof FIG. 19. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation view taken at line 15of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional elevation view taken at line 16of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the feature indicated as 17 inFIG. 16. A portion of a well 92 is shown, wherein a sidewall 96 of awell is shown, and wherein the well 92 comprises an overhang 98 and anopen area 100 provided at an upper edge of the well 92. In variousembodiments, the overhang 98 extends around an entire periphery of theupper end of the well. In alternative embodiments, the overhang 98extends from only a portion of the upper end of the well (e.g. the upperedge of 3 or fewer sidewalls comprise an overhang). In variousembodiments, one or more overhangs are provided to form a constrictionat the upper end of the well. Overhangs and constrictions of the presentdisclosure comprise a feature that provide an entry of a well comprisinga smaller dimension than an internal volume of the well. The well 92 isoperable to receive a module 94 as shown, and wherein the overhang 98extends over a portion of the module 94 and serves to maintain themodule 94 within the volume of the well 92. The module(s) may beinserted and removed from the well 92 by way of the open end 100.Insertion and removal of the module 94 may be accomplished, for example,by bending and otherwise manipulating the flexible sidewalls of the tray90 to insert the module 94 such that it is at least partially retainedby the overhang 98 and geometry of the well 92.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a module 94 according to one embodimentof the present disclosure. As shown, the module 94 comprises a siliconepod or packet that preferably comprises a predetermined quantity offluid or gel to act as a heating or cooling agent. The modulespreferably comprise an internal volume that is filled with thepredetermined quantity of fluid or gel, and a sealed cover member suchthat the module comprise a contained and sealed quantity of fluid orgel. The cover 104 is preferably sealed by welding to the upper edges102 of the modules 94. Thus, in certain embodiments, the modules 94comprise sealed elements that contain a fluid or gel and which may beselectively inserted into a compress device (90, FIG. 19, for example).The discrete nature of the modules 94 provide user's with theflexibility of inserting a desired number of modules and therebyaffecting the device's overall flexibility, etc. For example, where thedevice 90 is to be applied and/or wrapped around smaller animal or bodypart, few modules 94 may be used, thereby leaving various wells 92 emptyand increasing the flexibility and compressibility of the device,generally. Alternatively, each of the wells 92 may be provided with amodule 94, thereby increasing the device's mass and associated abilityto heat or cool a body part, but also potentially limiting theflexibility of the device.

In various embodiments, the modules 94 comprise a clear polyethylenethermoformed sheet of approximately 3 mm in thickness, and a top cover104 that comprises a similar material and which is heat sealed orultrasonically welded to the remainder of the module 94. In preferredembodiments, the modules 94 are filled with a quantity of hot/cold gelor similar liquid. For example, the modules 94 are contemplated ascomprising benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-methyl ester, hexadienoic acid,potassium salt, 2-propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt,propanetriol, and water, and various combinations thereof.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional elevation view taken at line 28 of FIG. 20.FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the module 94 of FIG. 18. FIG. 21 is aside elevation view of the module 94 of FIG. 18. The module(s) areoperable to be inserted into wells of a compress device (see 92 and 90of FIG. 14, for example). The modules are sized and operable to beselectively inserted and removed from the wells.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a module 110 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the module 110 comprisesa substantially rectangular cube with a plurality of sidewalls 112extending between an upper edge or lip 124 and a lower edge or lip 122.An upper surface 114 is provided as an opposing surface to a lowersurface (not shown in FIG. 22). The upper surface 114 comprises a crateror depression 116 with an upstanding projection 118 that comprises anaperture 120 therein. In some embodiments, the depression 116 and theupstanding projection 118 are products of a molding process. In certainembodiments, the aperture 120 is provided as a fill and/or emptying portfor fluids to be housed within the module 110. The module is operable tobe provided within an array of well including, for example, those shownin FIG. 14. The lower lip 122 and/or upper lip 124 are operable to beprovided in contact with an overhang of certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure (see, for example, 98 in FIG. 17). Embodiments of thepresent disclosure contemplate that a plurality of modules 110 areprovided to collectively provide a therapeutic device for deliveringheat or cooling/icing an animal patient.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the module 110 of FIG.22. As shown, the module 110 comprises an internal volume 126 that isoperable to receive and house a volume of fluid or other medium. In someembodiments, the fluid comprises a gel or water that may be frozen orheated numerous times. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises acontained fluid wherein egress of the fluid and ingress of additionalfluid or material is prevented. The modules 110 of such embodiments maybe selectively inserted and removed from a well, but the material withinthe internal volume of the module comprises a contained material.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description ofpreferred embodiments and while the illustrative versions have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theinventors to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading this detaileddescription. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is notlimited to these specific details, respective apparatus and methods, andillustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures maybe made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe inventor's general inventive concepts.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventionrequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments and certain variations andmodifications, other variations and modifications are within the scopeof the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge ofthose in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It isintended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or notsuch alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A therapeutic device for an animal comprising: aflexible compress member having a plurality of wells; wherein each ofthe plurality of wells comprises a first internal volume and an upperend of the wells comprises an overhang; a plurality of fluid-containingmodules, wherein each of the plurality of fluid-containing modules isoperable to be provided within the first internal volume of a well;wherein each of the fluid-containing modules comprises a second internalvolume, the second internal volume being less than the first internalvolume; a fluid provided within the second internal volume; wherein theoverhang comprises at least one of a flexible and an elastic componentthat is operable to selectively receive and at least partially secure aportion of a fluid-containing module; and wherein the device is operableto act as a heating or cooling agent for an animal body part.
 2. Thetherapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises siliconerubber.
 3. The therapeutic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality offluid-containing modules comprise silicone rubber.
 4. The therapeuticdevice of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wells are arranged in agrid.
 5. The therapeutic device of claim 1, further comprising a covermember.
 6. The therapeutic device of claim 5, wherein the cover memberextends along the upper end of the wells and comprises a seal for atleast some of the plurality of wells.
 7. The therapeutic device of claim1, wherein the fluid-containing modules comprise sealed modules.
 8. Atherapeutic device for an animal comprising: a flexible compress memberhaving a plurality of wells; wherein each of the plurality of wellscomprises a first internal volume and an upper end of the wellscomprises an overhang; a plurality of fluid-containing modules, whereineach of the plurality of fluid-containing modules comprises a secondinternal volume and is operable to be provided within the first internalvolume of a well; a material provided within the second internal volume;wherein the overhang is operable to selectively receive and at leastpartially secure a portion of a fluid-containing module. wherein thedevice is operable to act as a heating or cooling agent for an animalbody part.
 9. The therapeutic device of claim 8, wherein the devicecomprises silicone rubber.
 10. The therapeutic device of claim 8,wherein the plurality of fluid-containing modules comprise siliconerubber.
 11. The therapeutic device of claim 8, wherein the plurality ofwells are arranged in a grid.
 12. The therapeutic device of claim 8,wherein at least some of the fluid-containing modules comprisessubstantially rectangular cubes.
 13. The therapeutic device of claim 8,further comprising a cover member extending along the upper end of thewells and comprising a seal for at least some of the plurality of wells.14. The therapeutic device of claim 8, wherein the fluid-containingmodules comprise sealed modules.
 15. A therapeutic device for an animalcomprising: a flexible member comprising at least one well; wherein theat least one well comprises a plurality of sidewalls, a bottom portion,and a first internal volume; a fluid-containing module that is operableto be provided within the at least one well; wherein thefluid-containing module comprises a substantially rectangular cubehaving an upper end, a lower end, a plurality of sidewalls and a secondinternal volume, the second internal volume being less than the firstinternal volume; a fluid provided within the second internal volume;wherein the at least one well comprises at least one of a flexible andan elastic component that is operable to selectively receive and atleast partially secure a portion of a fluid-containing module; whereinthe device is operable to act as a heating or cooling agent for ananimal body part.
 16. The therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein thedevice comprises silicone rubber.
 17. The therapeutic device of claim15, wherein the fluid-containing module comprises silicone rubber. 18.The therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of wells arearranged in a grid.
 19. The therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein anupper end of the well comprises at least one of an overhang and aconstriction operable to at least partially secure a fluid-containingmodule.
 20. The therapeutic device of claim 15, wherein thefluid-containing module comprises a sealed module.